Endoscopy procedures allow physicians to diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Endoscopy involves inserting a long, flexible tube (Endoscope) into the mouth or rectum. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope allows the physician to see and examine the surfaces of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, and colon. An endoscope can also be equipped with forceps to collect tissue samples or remove a suspicious growth. Thomas Hospitals provides endoscopy services in both Charleston and South Charleston. Services that are provided weekdays in both locations include:

  • Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Cancer Diagnosis
  • Dysphasia/Difficult swallowing
  • Gastroparesis
  • Heartburn/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Hiatal Hernias
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome WV
  • Simple Constipation and Diarrhea

Common Procedures

  • Barrx Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) – is a procedure used to treat Barrett’s esophagus. Barret’s esophagus is a condition that can result from having chronic heartburn or GERD. In Barrett’s esophagus, tissue similar to the lining of your intestines replaces the tissue lining your esophagus.
  • Capsule Endoscopy – requires a patient to swallow a pill-sized video capsule that has a camera and light inside of it and allows the physician to search for bleeding, polyps, or other irregularities that cannot be reached by a colonoscopy.
  • Colonoscopy – a flexible scope is passed through the rectum to allow the physician to have direct visualization of the colon. During the colonoscopy, the physician is able to view the patient’s colon, obtain biopsies, and remove potentially cancerous polyps. The colonoscopy is one of the most important procedures for colon cancer screening.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – minimally invasive outpatient procedure that allows more accurate diagnosis, staging and treatment of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and pulmonary disease.
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – is used to detect gastrointestinal disorders such as gallstones, bile duct or pancreatic duct blockages and for placement of biliary stents for benign or malignant structures. It requires special equipment and the use of fluoroscopy. Some small gallstones may be removed through this therapy.
  • Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) – is a Non-surgical treatment and does not require incisions. It is done under sedation as an outpatient, the procedure is very well tolerated, recovery time is short and patients return to a normal routine after a few days. ESG is a relatively safe procedure and the overall risk of complications is low as compared to surgery. ESG is performed with an endoscopy. Using an endoscopic suturing system we place sutures in the stomach to create a sleeve and reduce the volume of the stomach.
  • Esophageal Banding for Varices – varcies are large or swollen blood vessels. Varices can occur anywhere within the gastrointestinal tract but most commonly in the esophagus and stomach. Endoscopic therapy is a way of preventing and treating variceal bleeding without the requirement for surgery. Most commonly with endoscopic variceal banding, rubber bands are placed around varcies in the esophagus through a flexible endoscope which is used to visualize the vessels.
  • Esophageal Dilation for Dysphagia – is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus (swallowing tube).
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)/Upper Endoscopy – EGD allows the physician to view the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small bowel through a scope that is passed through the mouth.
  • Fecal Transplant – is the transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract for the purpose of treating recurrent c.difficle colitis.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the large intestine. During a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon. If necessary, biopsies can be taken through the scope during a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam.
  • Hemorrhoid Banding – is a good treatment option for hemorrhoids that don’t respond to home treatments. Hemorrhoid banding is a way to remove hemorrhoids by putting tight bands around the smaller veins in the lower rectum.
  • Liver Biopsy – is a procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue so it can be examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease.
  • Manometry – measures pressures at different sites in the body for diagnostic purposes. Different types of manometry are anorectal, esophageal, and sphincter of Oddi.
  • Paracentesis – is a procedure intended to remove fluid that has collected in the abdomen.

Location

Endoscopy at Thomas Memorial Hospital
4605 MacCorkle Avenue,  SW| Charleston, WV 25301 | 304-766-3600